WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

There's been so much going on in my world lately that I'm starting to feel overwhelmed.  Stuff like:

My air conditioner developed a coolant leak and needed a new coil.  Nothing like having an unexpected $800 bill dropped in you lap.  Especially on the heels of putting a new roof on the house and having a new radiator and thermostat put in my Jeep.

And speaking of my Jeep, the left rear brake line crapped the bed a few days ago.  Another $90 bucks to fix that.  My right rear brake line is about to go.  Since I'm already dealing with a rear main seal leak, a rusted front axle, and brakes that'll need replacing in another couple months, I figured it was time to retire the Jeep and get a new car.  It's 14 years old and has 138k miles on it, so it doesn't owe me anything.

The wife and I went car shopping last Thursday.  I hate car shopping.  I'd probably enjoy it if I was rich and money wasn't an issue.  But I always feel like I'm going to get in over my head, or get screwed on the deal.  Anyway, we settled on a Kia Sportage.  It's fairly spacious for a small SUV, and it gets relatively good mileage--better than my wife's 4Runner, anyway.  We were supposed to pick it up on Friday night, but there were paperwork issues.  Now it looks like we'll be picking it up either tonight or tomorrow.  I'll probably let the Mrs. take the new one, and I'll take her 4Runner.  My job comes with a take-home car, so I don't drive my own car as much as she drives hers.  But I will take the Sportage on Air Guard drill weekends to save money on gas.

And speaking of the Air Guard, I'll be heading out to Cape Cod on Sunday for a week of active duty days and a drill weekend.  I get tense every time I get close to having to make another trip out there.  It gives me that feeling of something hanging over my head, and I hate that.  Of course it would help if I didn't hate the Air Guard so much.  One more year and I can retire.  If things don't improve much out there by next summer, I may pull the plug on my career.  If I can afford to financially, that is.  I'd hate to stay just for the money, but I may not have a choice.

Last Saturday I took the family to Six Flags Great Escape.  I had chores to do that I didn't get done.  We spent money we didn't have.  Logic dictated that we not go.  Screw logic, we went anyway.  I'm glad we did.  I think Saturday was the only good day we had together as a family all summer.  Since we didn't get to go on a vacation, we had to make do with a day trip to Lake George.

The wife and I watched Weird Science last night.  Believe it or not, I had never seen it before.  Funny movie.  And Kelly LeBrock was smokin' hot.

I'll be starting my next online course tonight: CJ 601 Proactive Police Management.  One more course after that.  I'll be happy when I'm done with that.  Right now it's just another thing hanging over my head.

Lunch is about over, so I guess I'd better get back to work.  It'll take my mind off waiting for the other shoe to drop.